Hemp based food products are becoming a hit. So much so, the global hemp-based food market reached a high of 1.1 billion dollars in 2021, and Japan is also catching on. As a food source, hemp is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and minerals such as zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. We take a look at hemp-based food products such as seeds, protein powders, and oils available online and at the store in Japan. For CBD oils, we reveal some top Japan manufacturers and local distributors, so you can avoid the clink. While hemp seeds are the top seller, check out a local CBD craft beer to cheer on your weekend chill-out.
Typical Hemp-based Products in Japan
Popular hemp-based products in Japan include seeds, cold-pressed oil, CBD oils and gummies, vegan CBD cookies, and more. CBD oil is also used in bathroom products, face masks, and topical creams. Since hemp-based food products have largely emerged as a health phenomenon, they generally carry organic labeling such as JAS – and often additional foreign certification. Processed products such as hemp protein powders generally do not contain artificial or synthetic additives, including sweeteners.
One-Stop Hemp Foods & CBD Oil Shopping Japan
Hemp Foods Japan is the online shopping portal for the brand Hemps Japan. Their main line of seeds and protein powders can also be found on places like Amazon or Rakuten. On the webpage store, however, there’s a full range of hemp products, some quite unique. Alternatively, for hands-on shopping, you can view participating stores across Japan.
If you’re new to hemp, they sell a number trial product sets. They have an extensive range of CBD oils, including pet oils, soft gels, fragrant body oils, CBD chocolate, plus vape oils and equipment. Their Relax CDB Gummies contain fish collagen so are not vegan. An original miso product is their Hemp and Black Soy Bean Miso as well as their hemp amazake fermenter from their partner Aloha Farm.
To register on their site, you can input your name in Romanji or Katakana, but the address should be done in Japanese. Payment methods include major credit cards, R-Pay, Pay-Pay, bank transfer (銀行振込), and COD (代金引換). You can select a preferred delivery date (not time), and there is also Cool Ta-Q-Bin (200 yen charge) on selected items. Shipping is free for orders over 5 400 yen, but for Hokkaido and Okinawa it’s more.
CBD Oil Specialist in Japan
Apart from Hemps Japan, who also carry a range of CBD oils, there are a number of other manufacturers and distributors to choose from.
Healthy TOKYO – Shop in English CDB Pioneers in Japan
Healthy TOKYO, launched in 2016, was the first retail CBD specialty store and dedicated CBD factory to open in Japan. They are also pioneers with their vegan fair cafes serving CBD infused drinks and edibles. You can visit their Shop & Café in Haneda Airport, Harajuku, Daikanyama, and their factory shop in Edogawa.
Most products are made in Japan. Unique flavors include Yuzu and also a caramel flavor infused with vitamin A. They also have CBD isolate infused into MTC oil. Gummies include CBD Night Gummy infused with Okinawa Kwansou ‘sleeping grass’, GABA, Vitamin D. Their Morning Gummy contains Vitamins B6, B12, Guarana and Caffeine. There also a number of snacks you can buy, CBD Topicals, a vape range, and CBD for pets.
Online payment is via credit card, Line Pay, Paidy, PayPay, and COD.
Hemp Field Japan – CBD in Shibuya
Hemp Field Japan have a range of CBD, CBN, CBG oils for more in-the-know users, water soluble CBD, gummies, a honey infusion, vape oils and equipment, unique CBD-terpene infused incense, plus a bathroom range and topical creams. You can visit their shop at 1-8-5 Shibuya-ku which is a 5-min-walk from JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station or Kichijoji Station on the Keio Inokashira Line.
Payment is via credit cards, cell phone IDs, COD, Pay-easy, conbini payments, and Line-Pay. Orders over 10 000 yen get free shipping.
Pharma Hemp Japan
Pharma Hemp Japan is the local distributor of Pharma Hemp based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Their products are fully accredited and third party tested. Pharma Hemp Japan distributes products that meet Japanese legal requirements.
You can research products on their English page, but be sure to only order products via their Japan-based website. CBD content percentage ranges from 6% to 36%. Unique products include versatile CBD powders and crystals, sports gels for muscle and joint pains, plus massage and foot creams.
Shipping is 600 yen per order or free for over 10 000 yen. Payment is via credit card, COD, and bank or post office money transfers.
Small Japan CBD Suppliers & Manufacturers
FleexCBD – are unique for their range of candy. Their #Gym range are for post-training with added support ingredients of limonene, GABA, and L-theanine, in addition to CBD. The #Geeks range is meant to increase focus and concentration. Product don’t include any artificial additives, so all flavoring and coloring is natural. They also have beverage drops to make your own CBD drinks. No registration is needed – payment is via credit card, back transfer, conbeni / Pay-Easy, and smart phone IDs.
Fresh Leaf – carry a limited range of CBD & CBC oils, CBG & CDN isolate crystals, as well as flavored drops. There’s no need to register on the site, and you can select PayID, Credit Card, conbeni settlements, and Pay-Easy. They do not appear to be affiliated to the LEAFLY international brand.
SugoyCBD – a brand using CBD oil from California. They have a range of fruit flavored drops with CBD content ranging up to 2 500mg / 30ml. A unique product are their bedtime or chill mints each containing 5mg of CBD.
Products Certified by CBD JCA
The CBD JCA is the Japan Cannabidiol Association. They are a non-governmental association and affiliation whose aim is to assure the safety, quality, and legality of CBD oils or extracts imported into Japan for processing, production, or distribution.
The JCA inspection process covers all angles from proper import procedures to raw material inspection, manufacturing and processing standards and procedures, correct documentation, and quality assurance. This is for the benefit of all parties including end consumers since Japanese law is very stringent on the matter and any carelessness can have unfortunate consequences.
Products specifically certified by the JCA will carry their logo. Certifications can also be researched on their website. That’s not to say products without JCA association are not of the same standard or quality. Some manufacturers may list alternative testing results on their websites.
CBDMedica – is out of Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture. They have a limited but high-quality CBD range. This includes their Nano 300 CBD for increased bio absorption using ultra wave processing. They also have hemp seed and MTC oils infused with CBD.
MaoDog – a small distributor currently stocking only two products, a tincture for humans and another for pets. Each 30ml bottle contains 1000mg of CBD. The finished product is imported from Folium Biosciences in Colorado, USA. Products are inspected before leaving the US and inspected for certification again in Japan.
LilySteam – a small vape specialist with a unique range of flavors including ‘bitter & smokey’ for cigar lovers. CBD oils come in 2% and 8% ranges. They also sell vaporizers.
Effective Organic – more of a beauty, aging, and skin care CDB specialist. They have just one CBD tincture, also a rebrand from Folium Biosciences in Colorado (USA), and a Japanese type of sweet with CBD, Kinkgo Biloba, Kagikazura leaf, and Matcha. The bulk of their products are moisturizes and creams that are distributed nationwide to participating salons.
Best Hemp Seeds, Protein Powder, Oils, and Beverages
CBD and other types of related oils have their own fan base and specialized uses. However, for the general run of the mill, hemp seeds sell alongside acai seeds, hemp proteins compete with pea and soy, while hemp salad oils are most abundant these days.
Best Hemp Seed in Japan
Hemp seeds are known as asa-no-mi [麻の実] in Japan. They have a nutty flavor and can be eaten as they are. You can sprinkle husked seeds on oatmeal, rice, salads, or put in a dressing. Alternatively, crush them with a mortar and pestle for flavoring toast, yoghurt, or ice-cream.
Nutritional information 20g: Energy 110kcal, protein 6.9g, fat 8.6g, fiber 2.6g, potassium 235.4mg, zinc 2mg iron 2.3mg, magnesium 145mg.
These hemp seeds are sourced from Europe and certified organic by the JAS. One spoon serving can contain up to a third and more of daily requirements for copper, iron, and magnesium. They are slightly higher in fiber and micronutrients than other brands reviewed, so you get more for your money.
Nutritional information 20g: Energy 118kcal, protein 6.2g, fat 9.8g, fiber 0.8g, potassium 118mg, zinc 2.4mg, iron 2.2g, copper 0.5mg, magnesium 207mg.
These hemp seeds are package in Australia with less than 10% of the content being produce of Australia. The origins are unclear, but some say the hemp seeds come from China. The overall nutritional content is comparatively favorable.
Nutritional information 20g: Energy: 122kcal, protein 6.4g, fa 10.4g, fiber 0.4g, zinc 2.6mg, iron 2.7mg, magnesium 135mg.
Nichiga products offer good value at a reasonable price. These seeds are imported from Canada and then processed for package in Japan after receiving JAS certification. Nutritional values are almost identical to Hemp Style, yet the origin is transparent and the price is less. There are also 190g and 1.5kg packs.
Nutritional information 20g: Energy 122 kcal, protein 6.4g, fat 10.4g, fiber 0.4g, zinc 1.78mg, iron 2.4g, magnesium 135mg.
While these seeds have JAS certification, they appear to be a brand packaged in Japan and the seed origin is unknown. Their nutritional value is very similar to Nichiga, but the source of the seeds and is not known.
Nutritional information 20g: fiber 20.9, calcium 16.4, iron: 3.7, vitamin B1 3.2.
Although not ideal in terms of packaging and waste, these mixed bags of seeds come in handy 20g servings. The 9-seeds include hemp, chia, quinoa, amaranth, barley, soy, germinated black and unpolished rice, plus oats. The main nutritional value per serving is the high fiber content.
Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein powder also has a rich and nutty flavor, but somewhat gritty. It is often favored by people with sensitive stomachs. It has good iron and magnesium content for women. The protein content per serving tends to be less that other proteins. Pure hemp protein powders are much alike and most average out at ¥6/g.
Nutritional information 30g: Protein 15g, fat 3g, cholesterol 0g, fiber 6g, total carbs 8g, calcium 51mg, iron 6g, zinc 4mg, potassium 419mg, magnesium 246mg.
Nutiva is an American brand out of Richmond, California. One serving is 4 tablespoons or 30g. The package is in English and nutritional information is also listed in daily values. There are no additive, sweeteners, or flavoring. Nutiva also has a fiber-plus version with 11g fiber compared to 6g per serving.
Nutritional information 30g: Energy 116kcal, protein 14.9g, fat 3g, fiber g, total carbs 7.2g.
Nichiga is one of Japan’s more affordable health food manufacturer. Their hemp protein powder has a full amino acid listing. The hemp powder is imported from Canada. Nutritional content on the package is per 100g, but not all micronutrients are listed. For 200g, 500g, and 3kg packs, try their website store.
Nutritional information 30g: Energy 120kcal, protein 14.7g, fats 3.3g, fiber 5.4g, total carbs 6.6g, calcium 5.25mg, Magnesium 2669mg, Zinc 3.8mg, Iron 8mg.
Hemp Style is a Canadian sourced hemp protein powder that is packaged and marketed in Japan. Micronutrient per 30g seem to indicate that the quality is slightly less than Nutiva which uses California hemp.
Nutritional information 30g: Protein 11.8g, fiber 7.3g, magnesium 222.6mg, zinc 2.8mg, iron 8.9 mg, folic acid 41.4ug, omega 3 172.8mg.
While it’s easy enough to flavor a non-additive protein powder, for some people flavored protein is the expected norm. Asakara gives you that, but this specialty products also dissolves more easily and has a smoother texture than your usual straight up hemp powder. It’s flavored with dried oat milk and maple sugar. This single product brand also has a number of recipes on its website.
See more reviews for Plant-based Protein Powder
CBD Craft Beer in Japan
Oga is a craft beer brewer based in the Tokyo city of Mitaka. The have an extensive range of craft beers, but many are seasonal additions or brewing collaborations with restaurants, bars, and other interested parties.
Calms Beer is marketed in co-operation with Bright CBD Japan. The beer has water-soluble nano CBD sourced from Oregon in the USA. There are two varieties – a German pale ale with 30mg CBD, and an American pale ale with 15mg CBD.
Ataracia is a Japanese CBD brand. They import their CBD oils from the US and full certificates of analysis are displayed on their website. They produce a range of CBD oil tinctures, vape oils, skin creams, face cleansing masks, water soluble powder, and more. This beer is a South German style Weizen ale with 20mg CBD and its produced in cooperation with Yokohama Craft Beer Company.
West Coast Brewing is an American run and inspired enterprise making true US West Coast quality craft beers in Shizuoka. They have their own story to tell, but more so the best range of CBD infused craft beers you’d ever find in Japan. If things aren’t ‘sold out’ online, the only other option is to get yourself to one of their associated bars or bottle shop in Shizuoka. Alternatively, you may get lucky with a specialist stocker.
Cold Pressed Hemp Oils
Cold pressed hemp oil has a unique nutty taste, a strong aroma when heated, and a very low smoke point. Therefore, hemp seed oil is generally not used as a standard cooking oil. Rather, cold-pressed hemp oil is used as a salad oil or finishing oil to drizzle over cooked preparations. Some people may use it as a massage oil, or an oil to treat the scalp and hair.
See our post on the best MCT Oils in Japan